The Western Cape is a reflection of the thread which weaves the South African tapestry of diverse race, culture, practices and individual backgrounds. We face many challenges which must be addressed in order to make the Western Cape the best province in South Africa.
In light of this context, we need to allow someone space to learn and grow. The reality is, we differ in many ways. Our differences can be appreciated within a set of rules which also incorporate our respect and integrity for each other.
The Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning is under immense pressure in managing challenges of planning and development. This challenge has been exacerbated by the high turnover of staff in our department.
In order to operate effectively and efficiently a total of 105 vacancies must be filled on the existing approved establishment. Should a new proposed establishment be approved and implemented, a further 115 vacancies will have to be filled. In 2008, 96 employees were recruited versus a total of 58 leaving the department in the same year giving rise to capacity demands.
We, as the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning face many challenges and also need to capitalize on the many opportunities present in the macro environment. We serve the communities as public servants and will not wear political branding, and I will set the example. Service delivery challenges will be addressed as follows:
- We need to establish, facilitate and manage productive working relationships with local government to promote co-operative governance.
- We will focus on the establishment of a new Development Facilitation Unit (DFU) to assist municipalities.
- We will promote the Western Cape Language Policy as a department.
- We will spend the budget and must receive an unqualified audit report.
- Bulk services in municipalities are under immense pressure therefore the department must devise an effective roll out plan to address backlogs.
- “thinking green” must become a way of life without the fear of sacrificing your lifestyle.
- All existing regulations will be complied with and structures followed preventing developers from taking short cuts. A framework will be drawn up and made available to developers clarifying turn around time frames to address various matters communicated to the department.
- Departmental performance will only be measured on capacity and actual performance and not linked to monetary benefits.
- Both municipalities and developers will be invited to our five year strategic planning session for the Western Cape.
- We will also manage the planning and development leg of the Department to protect the environment for our children.
